Those We Lost — June 6

Honoring those we lost on June 6 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind.

Billy Preston

Born September 2, 1946 — Died June 6, 2006

Title: Keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and session musician

Billy Preston was a musical prodigy whose work crossed gospel, soul, funk, rock, and R&B. He played with artists including Little Richard, Ray Charles, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and many others, earning a reputation as one of the great keyboard players in modern music.

Tom Dent

Born March 20, 1932 — Died June 6, 1998

Title: Poet, playwright, oral historian, and cultural organizer

Tom Dent was a writer and cultural worker whose work grew out of New Orleans, the civil rights era, and the Black Arts Movement. He used poetry, theater, oral history, and community organizing to document Black Southern life and preserve voices that were often overlooked.